Tank upgrade size recommendations

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
magpie

magpie

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Jun 4, 2016
3,552
5,325
164
Oregon
Hey all,

Just planning for a year or so from now - we will be moving and I will be upgrading the tank.

Right now I have a 65 gallon tank. Sounds great for a lot of things until you realize it's a 3 foot tank (36 x 18 x 24), which REALLY limits the fish you can have in there for life. I got it because it was only 10 gallons less than the 75 but fit the wall better where I ended up placing it. Had I known then what I do now, I would have gone for the 4-foot 75 gallon.

When upgrading, I don't want to make the same mistake again. If I could warn people to not get a 65 gallon (unless you do a densely planted totally peaceful community, or dwarf cichlids - it can work in that case) I would. So please do that for me now! :)

I know I want to do a 4+ foot tank. The obvious overall answer is longer and bigger, but I'd like a balance here. What would you recommend for someone in general who is looking for something more than 75 but not necessarily 200 gallons?

For stock:
I want at least 2 bichirs. I'd be happy with senegal and delhezi for now. I know they don't need huge.
I also want rope fish, butterflies, and an african brown knife. I have a ctenopoma & congo tetras.
In my ideal world I'd also add a random well-behaved P. Polleni. I just am in love with them.
Alternately, if that would be dumb, Severum.

That is my current plan, but I just want a decent moderate size that isn't as limiting as the one I have now.

Thanks in advance!
 
  • Like
Reactions: robham777
125 is what I consider a very small 'big tank'. It has the room to house some bigger fish, but not the big boys, or you can do a lot of smaller fish or a bunch of medium type growers. And because of it's size you can slap 3 AC110s on there and your filtration needs are covered.

I miss my 220 that I had years ago but I just didn't have the room for it at my new house. Could always look for a 180 as it's just a bit wider then the 125 and would take up almost the same real estate, however used 180s are a bit harder to find.

In my area you can find a nice used tank/stand/lights for around $250-$350 for a 125 gallon but when you bump it up to 180 it will be $500+ and very hard to find.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fat Homer and magpie
125. that will fit your stock minus the cichlid ideas. or a 150. your choice since you don't want much bigger than that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie
If you want a tank that would last for life for many species then I would say 60x24x24 (apprx 150G) this tank foot print will last for life for a lot fish species.
Edit:
Predatorkeeper87 fast typer than me and we got same idea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie
Yuki Rihwa said:
If you want a tank that would last for life for many species then I would say 60x24x24 (apprx 150G) this tank foot print will last for life for a lot fish species.
Edit:
Predatorkeeper87 fast typer than me and we got same idea.
Click to expand...
best recognize these typin' skillllllls! haha
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hobgoblen2, magpie and Yuki Rihwa
Since you are moving to a new place, and if you have the space, why not go for 180? It's under 200 based on your requirement and not going to be much more work than say a 150? Of course, this assumes you are contemplating 150, and not 125 (that would be a more significant bump up).

It's like buying a TV, there are more cases of folks regretting a bigger than a smaller ;-)
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie
I'm upgrading from a 90 gal right now and I'm leaning towards 150-180 I don't think my floor can take any heavier lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie and Yuki Rihwa
Polleni would more than likely be fine with some bichirs. Every fish is different but mine just hangs out at the top of the tank like an Oscar would, he never goes down to the bottom even during feeding.
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom